Good Food Equates To A Young Body
A recent study done by USDA scientist found that artichokes, beans, and acai berry were among the best foods to find the highest levels of the disease fighting compound known as antioxidants.
It was also confirmed that already well-known high antioxidant foods such as cranberries and blueberries–the researchers also found that Russet potatoes, pecans and even cinnamon are all excellent–although lesser-known, sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are thought to fight cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
“The bottom line is the same: eat more fruits and veggies,” says Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D., a chemist and nutritionist with the USDA’s Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center in Little Rock, Ark., and lead author of the study. “This study confirms that those foods are full of benefits, particularly those with higher levels of antioxidants. Nuts and spices are also good sources.”
The new study is more complete more accurate than previous USDA antioxidant data and includes more foods than the previous study as high tech equipment was used by the researchers. They analyzed antioxidant levels in over 100 different foods, including fruits and vegetables–the new study also includes data on spices and nuts for the first time.
All foods were measured based off of antioxidant concentration and antioxidant capacity per serving. Russet potatoes,artichokes and beans were the best source of antioxidants in the vegetable category. Acai berries, cranberries, and blueberries were tops for antioxidants in the fruit category–while pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts were your best source of antioxidants in the nut family.
Spices are normally consumed in tiny increments, yet many are high in antioxidants. In terms of antioxidant concentration, ground cloves, ground cinnamon and oregano were the highest among the spices studied.
A study such as this proves very helpful for those looking to increase their antioxidant intake in their foods. However, caution must still be applied as foods that are high in antioxidants does not equate into health benefits–that process is determined by how the body absorbs and utilizes the antioxidant rich foods.
There is currently no guideline by the government for which antioxidants to consume as well as how many to take as part of their daily diet–this is also the case for vitamins and minerals. A major reason to this is due to a general consensus amongst researchers.
It is encouraged for the time being to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of amino acids like acai berry.